Best Suitcase

Best Suitcase

Whether you are a frequent traveler or you only make a trip once in a blue moon, there is one essential item that you are going to need to have to ensure your trip is a success: A suitcase.

A suitcase makes it possible to carry all of the gear that you will need with you on your travels, keeping it neatly and organized, and well protected. The type of suitcase that you pick can be the difference between a trip that is as stress free as possible, and one that can cause major headaches. While a suitcase is certainly an essential piece of travel gear, trying to find the right one for your specific needs can be a bit of a challenge. When it comes to finding a suitcase, you are going to find that there are so many different options available. With so many choices, it can be hard to determine which suitcase will best suit your travel needs. To help you on your quest for finding the best suitcase, we have put together this handy buyer’s guide for you. In this guide, you will learn everything that you need to know about buying a suitcase, including the different types, the factors that you should consider when you are shopping for one, the features that they can offer, and the best suitcase brands. After reading this guide, you will be well prepared to choose the best suitcase for your needs.

Types of Suitcases

In order to find the best suitcase for your specific needs, the first thing you need to do is understand that there are different types of suitcases to choose from. The goal of each type of suitcase is to allow you to pack your personal belongings so that they are neatly stowed away and well protected while you are traveling. However, while the goal of all suitcases may be the same, they differ in how they are constructed and their size.

There are nine types of suitcases, which include:

The oversized suitcase

The lightweight suitcase

The carry on suitcase

The hard sided suitcase

The duffle bag

Kids’ suitcases

Spinner suitcases

Below, you will find a detailed description of each of these types of suitcases, which will help you determine which type will best meet your particular travel needs.

The Oversized Suitcase

As the name implies, the oversized suitcase is large in size. If you plan on taking long trips or you pack a lot of gear even for small trips, the oversized suitcase is a wise choice for you. It offers plenty of space to pack plenty of items without having to worry if you will have enough room. Plus, it will eliminate the need to pack several suitcases, which can be a real benefit, especially when it comes to trying to transport your suitcase and when it comes to possibly having your luggage misplaced. On the downside, the oversized suitcase can be difficult to maneuver because its bulky size, and because it tends to be heavy when it is loaded.

The Lightweight Suitcase

As the name implies, the lightweight suitcase is lighter in weight, which makes it easier to travel with. If you don’t want your bag slowing you down and you don’t want to lug something heavy around, than a lightweight suitcase is the right pick for you. On the downside, a lightweight suitcase tends to be small in size, which may be an issue if you need a lot of space to pack a lot of items.

The Carry On Suitcase

If you are going to be taking a short trip, or you want to have those essential items close at hand while you are traveling, a carry on suitcase is the ideal option for you. It is small enough to pack just a few items, such as a change of clothing or two, and it can easily be carried and stowed away. On the downside, a carry on suitcase is the smallest of all suitcases, which means that you may not have enough room for all of your items.

The Kids’ Suitcase

This type of suitcase is designed specifically for the pint sized traveler. It offers fun prints and colors that make it ideal for kids, and will make kids want to tote around their own suitcase. This type of suitcase often offers wheels, which makes it easier for your little one to carry around.

The Hard Sided Suitcase

If you want to ensure that your personal belongings will be as safe and secure as possible while you are traveling, than a hard sided suitcase is a great choice for you. A hard sided suitcase has a protective outer shell that is durable and can take on the weight of other bags, or being bumped into other items, without damaging your personal belongings inside. On the downside, a hard sided suitcase tends to be heavier than other types of suitcases because of the heavy exterior shell, which may be a concern for you.

The Spinner Suitcase

The spinner suitcase is designed with wheels on the bottom that rotate a total of 360 degrees. This type of suitcase also features a handle, which will make it easier for you to transport it. With the spinner suitcase, getting around with your luggage will be a breeze.

The Duffle Bag

The duffle bag is a soft sided bag that usually has a strap attached to it that can be carried either by hand or on the shoulder. There are some duffle bags that offer wheels, too. A duffle bag is lightweight and because it is soft, it folds down easily, making it an ideal choice if you want a suitcase that is easy to store when it isn’t being used.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Suitcase

In order to find the best suitcase for your specific needs, there are a number of factors that you are going to want take into consideration. Some of the most important factors that you are going to want to consider include the construction of the suitcase, the weight and the size, among other things. By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to choose the best suitcase for your specific needs.

To learn more about the factors that we consider to be the most important when shopping for a suitcase, please keep on reading.

The Construction of the Suitcase

One of the most important factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for a suitcase, as the construction of the suitcase will impact its durability. When considering the construction of a suitcase, you are going to want to consider the fabrics that are used. The most durable fabrics are those that are can withstand wear and tear well and will hold up to the excessive use and the elements that a suitcase may be exposed to while traveling. You should also look for a suitcase that has reinforced corners, as this will help to ensure the suitcase will retain its shape and will prevent it from collapsing, keeping your items better protected.

The Organization of the Suitcase

You should also consider the organization of the suitcase. The organization will impact how you keep your items stored. Some suitcases, like duffle bags, do not offer any organizational compartments inside, but most do. The more compartments that a suitcase offers, the more organized you will be able to keep your gear, which is very handy for traveling.

The Type of Travel You Do

What type of traveling do you do most often? This is an important factor to consider, because you want to make sure that you choose a suitcase that will allow you to carry your personal belongings with you as efficiently as possible. For example, if you mostly take short weekend trips, a carry on suitcase or a duffle bag may work well for you; however, if you take longer trips, an oversized suitcase may be a better choice for your traveling needs, as it will offer you the space that you need.

The Weight of the Suitcase

You should also consider the weight of the suitcase. Make sure that you can easily pick up the bag when it is full, as having to rely on others will greatly impact your ability to use your suitcase efficiently – not to mention, it can be very bothersome.

How Much Do You Pack?

You should also consider how much you pack when you are shopping for a suitcase. Obviously, you want to make sure that you have enough space to pack all of your gear, so considering how much you pack will help you determine the size of the suitcase that you will need to purchase.

The Closure Mechanism

When you are shopping for a suitcase, the closure mechanism that is used is another important factor that you are going to want to take into consideration. Suitcases can be closed with a zipper, a snap, or a locking buckle. You want to make sure that the closure you choose is easy to operate, and that it will provide you with the stability that you need to ensure your bag will be properly secured while you are traveling.

The Price of the Suitcase

Lastly, you are going to want to consider the price of the suitcase. Suitcases can vary widely in price, and you want to make sure that you choose one that will fit into your budget. Generally speaking, the larger the suitcase is and the more features that it offers, the more expensive it is going to be. Make sure you know how much you want to spend before you start shopping so that you can avoid spending more than you want to.

The Features Suitcases Can Offer

There are a number of features that suitcases can offer. These features are intended to make the suitcase easier and more convenient to use, and more versatile. As was mentioned above, the more features that a suitcase offers, the more expensive it is going to be. It is important to understand the different features that suitcases offer so that you can determine whether you want or need certain features, and so you can decide if the added cost will be worth the investment.

Here is a look at some of the top features that suitcases can offer.

Water Resistant Fabric

Some suitcases are constructed with water resistant fabrics. If you plan on traveling to areas where your suitcase will be exposed to water, this will be a valuable feature for you, as it will keep your items better protected.

Wheels

Some suitcases automatically come with wheels, but not all do, and this is considered an extra feature. If you want to make sure that moving your suitcase around is as easy as possible, look for a suitcase that features wheels.

Front Pockets

If you want to keep certain items apart from the interior of your bag and easy to access, a front pocket will be a useful feature for you, as it will allow you to easily access the items you pack inside.

A Warranty

The best suitcases come complete with a warranty. Should anything happen to the suitcase during the span of the warranty, you will be able to have it replaced or repaired, which is definitely a positive.

The Best Suitcase Brands

There are a lot of companies that produce suitcases. To help you find the best possible option, we have narrowed down the brands and have determined that the following suitcases are the best of the best.

American Tourister

This company has been making luggage for decades. They use a variety of materials and make all different types of luggage. Their luggage also offers a wide range of features and is very well constructed.

Rockland

Rockland produces durable luggage that is constructed out of the highest quality materials. They make various types of luggage in a variety of styles, and they boast a wide range of available features.

Samsonite

This manufacturer produces some of the most durable luggage on the market. They use the highest quality materials to produce durable luggage that will keep your items well protected while you are traveling.

About Us

Consumer Essentials was launched to help empower consumers with the knowledge to make the right decision when purchasing a new product. We personally purchase and test each and every product we recommend on our website.